Weaving together various observations and musings -- usually pertaining to aspects of Hong Kong (life) but sometimes beyond.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The inevitable pilgrimage to Sanrio Puroland (Photo-essay)

Before I went to Japan this last time, I mentioned to a friend my intention of paying another visit to Kiddy Land. Shortly before I left, she -- who is well acquainted with my Hello Kitty love -- sent me a text message with wishes that I'd enjoy my visit to Kitty Land.

So off I went to "Hello Kitty's Town" via a train with images of Hello Kitty on everyone of its carriages (in particular, its stickers with messages against sticking one's hand in between the carriage doors!). And while I have to admit to initially feeling a bit overwhelmed by the commercialism as well as cute-siness of Sanrio Puroland, it's also true enough that the afternoon "Believe" parade got me all aquiver and a believer once more in the power of Kitty Chan and her ilk to make people smile and all happy inside... :)

Hello Kitty hands out a safety warningon board the train to Sanrio Puroland

Visual proof that Tama Centerreally is Hello Kitty's Town! :b

Imagine the excitement upongettingthis close to Sanrio Puroland...

Kitty Chan in school girl garb at the first of two shows I watched at Sanrio Puroland

What may well be cuteness and plushie overloadfor some others had me thinking "I want!!!"

Hello Kitty in princess mode at the afternoon show

Dear Daniel and a multitude of other Sanrio charactersalso take part in the afternoon parade/show

I think Puppet Ponyo felt a bit overwhelmed by the Hello Kitty gang at Sanrio Puroland -- so much so she only got out of my backpack once that day! Can't blame her as that space really is so Hello Kitty filled. ;)

Yes, I think it's definitely a cultural thang. I've read the critical theory and feminist readings of Hello Kitty but sorry, I just don't buy them. And if you're wondering, no way would I ever like something like Barbie. Hello Kitty on the other hand... yes, I really do find her adorable and often just very comforting to be around!

Thank you for your supportive comments! And FWIW, I have a friend who's a vice president at a multinational company who also is fan of Hello Kitty. She tells me that seeing Hello Kitty makes her smile -- partly because seeing Hello Kitty (also) gets her thinking of one of her friends (i.e., moi!)! ;b

Hahahaha... I did miss this post... of course you would have visited Sanrio Puroland. :) I would like to go one day too and also to Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Sea Tokyo just to see what it's like. Maybe next year. The trip I just returned from was mostly centred around anime and with a slight emphasis on Mahou Shoujo Madoka. :p

Actually, it's not an "of course"... I've been to Tokyo before without visiting Sanrio Puroland after all. But this time around, I just felt that I might as well -- and do feel glad that I did visit. :)